SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued the 2008 Goods Movement Program call for grant applications to provide funding to retrofit or replace engines or purchase new equipment for large trucks, trains, and harbor craft.

Now through August 15, public and private entities can apply for Goods Movement funds to retrofit or replace engines, or purchase new equipment to reduce diesel emissions in advance of new regulatory requirements. This program is the result of a partnership with the Air Resources Board to quickly reduce air pollution emissions and health risks from diesel emissions caused by moving goods from the ports along highways, railways and waterways throughout the Bay Area.

"Emissions from aging heavy-duty engines are a major source of Bay Area air pollution," said Air District Executive Officer Jack Broadbent. "The Goods Movement Program helps owners invest in cleaner freight-moving equipment to protect the air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

The ARB will allocate $140 million in bond funding over the next four years to projects that will reduce air pollutant emissions from goods movement in the Bay Area. More than $35 million in Goods Movement Program funding will be available this year to reduce emissions from freight-moving trucks, harbor craft and locomotives by retrofitting or replacing engines or purchasing new equipment. Projects funded under this program must achieve emission reductions in advance of regulatory requirements. The Air District encourages applications for projects that would reduce emissions in communities impacted most from diesel engine pollution.

A series of workshops will be held throughout the open application period to explain the Goods Movement Program guidelines, describe how to complete the application, and answer questions about the grant process. For more information about the program, see the Air District website, www.baaqmd.gov/goods.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. For more information, visit www.baaqmd.gov.